While hamburgers are widely considered the quintessential American food, adding cheese elevates it further. Hence, we celebrate National Cheeseburger Day on Wednesday.

Cheeseburgers consistently rank among the top choices for meals in the U.S., according to YouGov’s list of Most Popular American Dishes. Although hamburgers take the lead with an 85% approval rating, cheeseburgers follow closely with an 83% rating, tying with fried chicken and just one percentage point behind grilled cheese and french fries (both at 84%).

Americans are estimated to consume around 50 billion burgers annually. Approximately 74% of burger enthusiasts prefer to add cheese to their burgers, according to YouGov.

Although National Cheeseburger Day does not have significant historical importance on its annual date of September 18, the exact origins of the cheeseburger are still debated. Some believe it was first made over a century ago by a teenage short-order cook at a roadside hamburger stand in Pasadena, California. Others point to Kaelin’s restaurant in Louisville, which is credited with coining the term “cheeseburger” in 1934.

Regardless of where it all started, many restaurants and burger spots are offering special deals on cheeseburgers this Wednesday.

McDonald’s National Cheeseburger Day Offer

On September 18, you can find a deal for 50-cent Double Cheeseburgers through the McDonald’s app.

Burger King’s week of discounts including National Cheeseburger Day

Customers enrolled in Burger King’s Royal Perks loyalty program can receive a free cheeseburger with any purchase of $1 or more on Wednesday. The chain also has various other offers throughout the week.

Here’s a list of this week’s offers under Burger King’s Royal Perks program:

• Tuesday: Free Original Chicken Sandwich with a purchase of $1 or more
• Wednesday: Free cheeseburger with a purchase of at least $1
• Thursday: Free 4-piece order of Mozzarella Fries with a purchase of $1 or more
• Friday: A free Croissan’wich with a purchase of $1 or more
• Saturday: Free 4-piece order of Chicken Fries with a purchase of $1 or more
• Sunday: Free soft drink (any size) with a purchase of $1 or more

Wendy’s 1-cent bacon cheeseburger special

Use the Wendy’s app to grab a deal on a 1-cent Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger with any purchase from Wednesday to Sunday (app download and account setup required).

Buffalo Wild Wings BOGO cheeseburgers and complimentary wings

If you’re part of Buffalo Wild Wings’ Blazin’ Rewards loyalty program, enjoy a buy one get one free burger deal on Wednesday, with options like Jason Kelce’s favorite, the Triple Bacon Burger, and the new Bacon Mac & Cheese Burger. If you’re not a member yet, sign up before September 18 to qualify for the offer. This deal applies to dine-in, takeout, and delivery through Buffalo Wild Wings GO.

Additionally, you can still get 10 free boneless wings when you spend $15 or more. To avail of this, place your order via Buffalo Wild Wings GO on their app or website using the code GOBONELESS.

Applebee’s Classic Burger Offer

On Wednesday, Applebee’s is featuring a “classic burger deal,” which includes any of their three Classic Handcrafted Burgers paired with classic fries for just $8.99.

Guests can select from the Applebee’s Classic Burger, Classic Cheeseburger, or the Classic Bacon Cheeseburger. This offer is available for both dine-in and online orders at Applebees.com or through the Applebee’s mobile app.

When customers place an order through the app, they can choose the “National Cheeseburger Day” item from the online menu to take advantage of the deal.

Free Double Original Cheeseburger Signature Stackburger with Dairy Queen Purchase

Starting today and running until Sunday, Dairy Queen is giving customers a complimentary double Original Cheeseburger Signature Stackburger with any app or online order of $1 or more.

This burger consists of two beef patties topped with Sharp American cheese, pickles, ketchup, and mustard, as stated by the company. The promotion is available at participating DQ Grill & Chill locations across the country. Each customer can only redeem the offer once, and it is not available for use in-store.

Sonic Offers Multiple Promotions for National Cheeseburger Day

If you want to kick off the National Cheeseburger Day festivities early, Sonic has half-price cheeseburgers available every Tuesday after 5 p.m., including on Sept. 17.

Additionally, there is a limited-time special where customers can get a Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger for just $1.99, or a Sonic Smasher for $7.

Additional National Cheeseburger Day Promotions

Check out more burger deals available this week.

• Bad Daddy’s: On Wednesday, enjoy the All-American Burger with cheese for $8. Bar Louie: Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Wednesday, get Louie’s Choice Cheeseburger with fries or tots for $9.95 (prices and availability may vary; check with your local Bar Louie).
• BurgerFi: Purchase a Coca-Cola Freestyle Beverage on Wednesday and get a BurgerFi Cheeseburger for $4 (saving you nearly $7; available for dine-in only; limited to one burger per drink purchase while supplies last).
• Denny’s: Denny’s Rewards members can enjoy 20% off any burger on Wednesday, including the limited-time ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’-inspired Afterlife Menu item, The Beetlejuicy Burger, featuring three quarter-pound patties, bacon, provolone cheese, Diner Q sauce, and more on a brioche bun.

• Dog Haus: If you join the Haus Rewards loyalty program by Tuesday, you can enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free cheeseburger deal via the app on Wednesday.
• Eddie Merlot’s: From 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Eddie’s Prime Cheeseburger is available for $15 (prices and participation vary; contact your local Eddie Merlot’s for further information).
• Farm Burger: This southeastern U.S. chain is providing a “build your own” cheeseburger option starting at $5.

• Farmer Boys: Between 2 p.m. and closing on Wednesday, the Big Cheese is available for $4 when you order in the restaurant or through the drive-thru (limited to two burgers per person, cannot be combined with other offers or deals). Members of the Very Important Farmer (VIF) loyalty program will receive a special surprise when they scan their receipt.
• Friendly’s: Members of the Friendly’s Fan Club can enjoy a $2 discount on any cheeseburger from Wednesday to Friday.

• Hat Creek: Order through the Hat Creek app and get the Little Hat Burger for only $2 on Wednesday.
• Kona Grill: On Sept. 18, specials for National Cheeseburger Day (available for dine-in or takeout) feature the Kona Grill Bacon Cheeseburger ($9.99), a takeout and delivery Cheeseburger ($9.99) with double-stacked 1/4 pound patties, and a Steakhouse Burger ($25) made with two 4-ounce patties, cheese, bacon, shiitake mushrooms, caramelized onions, garlic aioli sauce, and fries.
• Krystal: The chain is offering a limited-time tailgating special with a dozen Krystal sliders for just $12, or 12 Cheese Krystal sliders for $15.

• Smashburger: On Wednesday, Smashburger will offer $5 Classic Singles both in-store and when ordered through the Smashburger website or app (use the code CLASSIC24; valid at participating locations nationwide. You can also swap for a vegetarian option). Moreover, any purchase on Wednesday will earn you a 50% off coupon for any burger or sandwich during a future visit from Sept. 19 to Oct. 17.
• STK
  
  Steakhouse: On National Cheeseburger Day, this steakhouse and lounge chain offers exciting specials on Wednesday for dine-in or takeout. Customers can enjoy a Brunch Burger for $9.99, featuring a fried egg, bacon, and cheese; Lil’ BRGs for $6, which are Wagyu beef sliders paired with truffle fries; and a Takeout Cheeseburger with chips priced at either $7.99 or $9.99, depending on the location.
• Sullivan’s Steakhouse: Happening from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, patrons can grab Sullivan’s Signature Beef Burger Sliders for just $10. (Prices and participation may differ; check with your local Sullivan’s Steakhouse for specifics.)
• Wahlburgers: The chain started by Donnie Wahlberg, Mark Wahlberg, and Executive Chef Paul Wahlberg features 50% off all burgers this Wednesday.

• Wayback Burgers: Loyalty program members can take advantage of a buy one, get one free offer on Classic Burgers, which consist of two beef patties and cheese, this Wednesday, whether ordering in person, online, or through the Wayback Burgers app. (Limit one per app account; cannot be combined with any other promotions.)
• Whataburger: If Whataburger Rewards members purchase a Patty Melt, Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger, or a Whataburger with cheese via the Whataburger App or website, they will automatically enter a sweepstakes to win one of 100 free Whataburger for a Year prize packs, which includes 52 coupons for a free Whataburger at eligible locations. Mail entries are also permitted.
• White Castle: Customers can use the promo code “SAYCHEESE” in the White Castle app on Wednesday to receive a BOGO deal on Cheese Sliders. Additionally, for a limited time until November 10, customers can purchase a sack of 10 Cheese Sliders for just $7.99.

Keep up with Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.